In what has become a common theme for the Ottawa Senators this season, once again the Sens got off to a very slow start and fell behind 3-0 to the Boston Bruins very early in the game en route to a 5-3 loss.

These slow starts have occurred four times since head coach Cory Clouston took over a little over a month ago and one has to wonder why this is such a problem? Bottom line is it has to come from within and too many of these players don't play with any sort of an edge. I can count on one hand the amount of Sens players that bring a physical dimension to the game night in and out. Too many soft forwards has Sens GM Bryan Murray wondering how he is going to tinker with this line-up once the season ends. The most frustrating part for the coaching staff and management is that some of the forwards have the necessary size to play with an edge or at least finish a few checks a game, are you listening Dany Heatley. But time and again, they refuse to play that style of hockey when it's needed. The Sens were outhit 24 to 13 last night and if Ottawa had of played with a little more passion, the result could have been different but it was clear Boston wanted this game far more than Ottawa.

It seems that the Sens perform better when their is no pressure, hence the terrible season. Just when the Sens show a small glimar of hope that they might be turning the corner, the revert back to their old ways.

Christoph Schubert was terrible on the blueline and it is very clear that he has no idea where to be when defending the opposition. Brian Lee didn't fare much better as he looked more lost than he has recently. Lee is a long way from becoming a top four defensemen on this team. His offensive instincts are average at best and one has to wonder why management made so much hype about him after his 8 game stint to end last season. Murray told everyone that Lee would be a fulltime NHL defensemen this season, yet he has been sent down to the AHL three times this season. Murray has alot of work to do with the Sens defense this summer. He has far too many defensemen that are either soft or slow. Something has to give and Sens fans are really hoping Murray finds a solution.

Quick note – Former Senator Antoine Vermette scored his first goal in Columbus last night. It's weird watching him wear No. 50 but good on Vermette for grabbing two points against the Pittsburgh Penguins.Â He always was one of the most enjoyable players to deal with. By the way, the Jackets had their largest crowd in franchise history with over 19,000 in attendance for the Pens and Jackets.

Sorry for the short blog, but at some point today you will see our new look for the site. I will be back posting detailed blogs on the Sens this weekend starting postgame Saturday night after the Sens visit the Pens for an afternoon tilt in Pittsburgh.

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Written by Kevin Lee
Kevin has had an extensive career as a sports writer and radio show host for almost 10 years. Kevin has covered the NFL, NHL, MLB, NCAA College Football and Basketball. From covering the BCS Championship Game to the Final Four and the Stanley Cup Finals, he has done it all. He has been featured on numerous sports radio stations in Canada and the United States and often a weekly guest on numerous XM and Sirius Satellite radio shows. He has also had his work featured on FoxSports.com.

2 Comments

In response to “Another slow start does Ottawa in again!!”

Nice write-up Kevin. I think Cory Clouston has brought a better attitude to the organization on and off the ice. He's done an excellent job IMO of turning this team around in an attempt to secure a playoff spot. Do you think the Ottawa Senators are looking to sign Clouston to an extension as head coach, or does it depend on his performance over the final 10 games of the season?

There going to resign clouston. He might not be the best, but hes way better then hartsburg or paddock. Changing the coach again would be too much of a risk. I'd still like to see what kevin has to say about it though.